Abstract: A robotic unloader/loader system is disclosed. The system includes a first robot configured to autonomously approach and enter a truck or other container and unload items from the truck or other container by placing each item on an outbound conveyor or other material handling equipment; and a set of one or more additional robots configured to work outside the truck or other container, including by picking items from the conveyor or other material handling equipment, from a position to which the items have been conveyed by the conveyor or other material handling equipment, and placing each item in a corresponding one of a plurality of destination locations.

Abstract: A multi-purpose robotic platform is disclosed. In various embodiments, the robotic platform includes a memory configured to store configuration information for each of a plurality of robotic applications; and a processor coupled to the memory and configured to: receive an indication to perform tasks associated with a selected one of the plurality of robotic applications; use the stored configuration information to determine one or both of a required software configuration and a required hardware configuration associated with the selected robotic application; update one or both of a current software configuration and a current hardware configuration of the robotic system as needed to match the required software configuration and the required hardware configuration; and use the updated software configuration and the updated hardware configuration to autonomously perform tasks associated with the selected robotic application.

Abstract: A method and system for obtaining an identifier from an item is disclosed. The method includes autonomously operating a robotic structure having a robotic arm to pick an item using an end effector of the robotic arm along a predetermined path from a source location to a destination location according to a plan. The picked item is moved according to the plan. An active measure is determined to be performed at least in part to obtain an identifier determined to be missing based on information received via the communication interface from one or more sensors. The robotic structure is autonomously operated to place the item at the destination location based at least in part on the plan.

Abstract: The present application discloses a robotic control system, and a method and a computer system for controlling a robot. The robotic control system includes a memory and one or more processors coupled to the memory. The memory is configured to store configured to store a model of a robot having a plurality of axes of control including at least a linear axis and one or more rotational axes. The one or more processors are configured to use the model to control the robot to perform a task, including by sending to the robot a set of control signals to cause the robot to move with respect to two or more of said axes of control including at least the linear axis.

Abstract: A robotic system is disclosed which includes a robotic arm comprising a base and a set of serially connected links and joints connected to the base; an enabler joint assembly comprising a mounting location at which the base of the robotic arm is mounted and having a rotational axis, offset from the mounting location, about which the enabler joint assembly is configured to rotate the mounting location; and a processor configured to control the robotic arm and the enabler joint assembly, including by using the enabler joint assembly to position the robotic arm to operate within an extended operating space defined by a reach of the robotic arm as extended by the enabler joint assembly.

Abstract: The present application discloses a robotic modular stack mover system, and a method and a computer system for controlling the robotic modular pusher system. The robotic modular stack mover system includes a first stack mover system configured to cause a vehicle to traverse a first path and a second stack mover system configured to cause the vehicle to traverse a second path. The first stack mover system moves the vehicle along the first path from a source location to a first end location. The vehicle is retrieved from the first end location and the second mover system moves the vehicle along the second path to a destination location.

Abstract: Data indicating a corresponding safety state information indicating an extent to which that operating zone currently is or is not available to the robotic system to perform tasks using one or more robotic instrumentalities associated with a robotic system is used, for each of a plurality of operating zones, to dynamically schedule and perform tasks associated with a higher level objective. The corresponding safety state information associated with the first operating zone indicating one of a plurality of safety states associated with a presence of a human worker in the first operating zone is received from one or more sensors associated with a first operating zone of the plurality of operating zones. Autonomous behavior of the one or more robotic instrumentalities is altered based on the one of the plurality of safety states associated with the presence of the human worker in the first operating zone indicated by the corresponding safety state information.

Abstract: A robotic system to control multiple robots to perform a task cooperatively is disclosed. A first robot determines to perform a task cooperatively with a second robot, moves independently to a first grasp position to grasp an object associated with the task, receives an indication that the second robot is prepared to perform the task cooperatively, and moves the object independently of the second robot in a leader mode along a trajectory determined by the first robot. The second robot assists the first robot in performing the task cooperatively, at least in part by moving independently to a second grasp position, grasping the object, and cooperating with the first robot to move the object, at least in part by operating in a follower mode of operation to maintain engagement with the object as the first robot moves the object along the trajectory.

Abstract: A robotic loading/unloading system is disclosed. In various embodiments, sensor data is received via a communication interface. The sensor data is used to determine a position and orientation of an extendable conveyor relative to a robotic loader comprising one or more robotic arms mounted on a robotically controlled rover. The determined position and orientation of the extendable conveyor relative to the robotic loader are used to control one or both of the extendable conveyor and the robotic loader to place the extendable conveyor and robotic loader to position a distal end of the extendable conveyor within reach of the one or more robotic arms at a location within a work area from which one or more pick or placement locations within the work area are within reach of at least one of the one or more robotic arms.

Abstract: A robotic system is disclosed which includes a robotic arm having n degrees of freedom, the robotic arm comprising a base and a set of serially connected links and joints connected to the base; an enabler joint assembly comprising a mounting location at which the base of the robotic arm is mounted and having a rotational axis, offset from the mounting location, about which the enabler joint assembly is configured to rotate the mounting location; and a processor configured to control a first set of motors associated with the n degrees of freedom of the robotic arm and an enabler joint motor comprising the enabler joint assembly to control operation of the robotic arm within an extended operating space defined at least in part by the n degrees of freedom of the robotic arm and an (n+1)th degree of freedom provided by the enabler joint assembly.

Abstract: A robotic line kitting system is disclosed. In various embodiments, a sensor reading associated with a force sensor associated with a robotic instrumentality comprising the robotic line kitting system is received. It is determined based at least in part on the sensor reading that a condition requiring human intervention has been detected. A task to be performed by a human worker to correct the condition is scheduled.

Abstract: A robotic line kitting system is disclosed. In various embodiments, a sensor reading associated with a force sensor associated with a robotic instrumentality comprising the robotic line kitting system is received. It is determined based at least in part on the sensor reading that a condition requiring human intervention has been detected. A task to be performed by a human worker to correct the condition is scheduled.

Abstract: A robotic system to control multiple robots to perform a task cooperatively is disclosed. A first robot determines to perform a task cooperatively with a second robot, moves independently to a first grasp position to grasp an object associated with the task, receives an indication that the second robot is prepared to perform the task cooperatively, and moves the object independently of the second robot in a leader mode along a trajectory determined by the first robot. The second robot assists the first robot in performing the task cooperatively, at least in part by moving independently to a second grasp position, grasping the object, and cooperating with the first robot to move the object, at least in part by operating in a follower mode of operation to maintain engagement with the object as the first robot moves the object along the trajectory.

Abstract: The present application discloses a mechanism to adjust backlash in a rack and pinion powertrain assembly. The mechanism to adjust backlash includes a mounting frame having an opening defined therein to receive an operative end of a drive assembly, a shoulder fastener positioned through a first complementary set of holes at a first end of a mounting flange to movably couple the mounting flange to the mounting frame, the fastener being fastened in a manner such that the mounting flange and drive assembly have freedom to pivot about a longitudinal axis of the first complementary set of holes, and an adjustable length coupling device having a first end coupled mechanically to the mounting plate and a second end coupled mechanically to the mounting flange at a location substantially opposite the first end of the mounting flange.

Abstract: Tissue processing techniques are described involving association of tissue with a form under pressure to more precisely adapt the crosslinked tissue to the form. Pressure can be applied through holding of the issue on a porous form with suction on the form maintain tight adherence of the tissue on the form. In some embodiments, the tissue on the form is placed with the crosslinking solution in a bag that is then vacuum sealed to have the evacuated bag hold the tissue on the form. Whether or not the tissue is crosslinked on a form, glutaraldehyde can be used for crosslinking in a substantially unpolymerized state to achieve distinct crosslinked tissue properties.

Abstract: A robotic system is disclosed. The system includes a robotically-controlled equipment comprising a laser or other projector. An indication is received of an issue to be resolved by an intervening worker with respect to a target object. The robotically-controlled equipment is positioned to direct a projection emitted by the projector onto the target object.

Abstract: A robotic system includes a robotic arm that includes a first joint that connects a first segment to a second segment, the first segment being connected at an end of the first segment opposite the first joint to a shoulder joint of the robotic arm and the second segment being connected at an end of the second segment opposite the first joint to an elbow joint of the robotic arm; and a processor coupled to the robotic arm and configured to receive an end effector trajectory and determine a motion plan to move the end effector through the end effector trajectory, including by using the first joint to vary the distance between the shoulder joint and the elbow joint, as and if needed, to realize the end effector trajectory while using the joints and links other than the first joint in a preferred pose.

Abstract: A repositionable riser is provided. The repositionable riser may be used in connection with a robotic arm deployed in a workspace. The repositionable riser includes a riser having one or more mounting locations at or near an upper end of the riser configured to fixedly mount an equipment on the riser, a lateral translation subsystem comprising a carriage on which the riser is mounted and a set of one or more elongated structures that define a constrained lateral path along which the carriage is movable, the path including a first end associated with active use of the equipment and a second end not associated with active use of the equipment, and an anchor structure to which one or both of the carriage and the riser are configured to be coupled to secure the riser at the first end.

Abstract: A robotic system, method, and device for controlling operation of a robot is disclosed. The robotic system includes (i) a robot configured to move one or more items within a workspace, (ii) a sensor configured to collect sensor data with respect to the workspace, and (iii) one or more processors. The one or more processors are configured to (a) determine to reset operation of the robot, (b) determine, based at least in part on the sensor data, that a human worker exited a safeguarded space within the workspace, and (c) in response to determining that the human worker exited the safeguarded space, resume operation of the robot.

Abstract: A robotic line kitting system is disclosed. In various embodiments, a signal associated with an unsafe condition is received via a communication interface. In response to the signal, a controlled operation to reduce a speed of movement of a robotic instrumentality is performed prior to a safety stop of the robotic instrumentality being triggered.